It is a very difficult time of year for family members who tried their best to take care of Omaree Varela during his young life.

Now, they say it's even tougher because precious memorabilia at Omaree's graveside was thrown away.

Candy canes, a teddy bear and an ornament from his teacher are currently on Omaree's grave. His aunt said family members, including Omaree's little brother and sister, come to the cemetery frequently to visit him.

When they came to place Christmas decorations on his grave earlier this week, other irreplaceable items were gone. The family said cemetery staffers told them they threw the items away.

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"That is heartbreaking, it's devastating and it's also just a feeling of...violation," said his Aunt Becky.

Cemetery staff said there are calendars and signs clearly posted, telling people when they're removing items.

Becky believes the dates of the cleanup times were changed, and they're just heartbroken.

On Dec. 27, 2013, Omaree was kicked, beaten and stomped to death. His stepfather, Steve Casaus, is serving 30 years behind bars, for doing nothing as the child slowly bled to death internally.

Omaree's mother, Synthia is set to appear in court next month for another competency hearing. Police charged her with killing the boy.